Background: Whole salivary interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-8, and MMP-9 levels among habitual gutka chewers and non-chewers (controls) have not been investigated. The aim of the present study is to assess clinical periodontal parameters and whole salivary IL-1β, IL-6, MMP-8, and MMP-9 levels among habitual gutka chewers and controls.
Methods: Forty-five gutka chewers and 45 controls were included. Demographic information regarding age, sex, duration and daily frequency of gutka chewing, duration of gutka placement in the mouth, and daily toothbrushing habits were collected using a questionnaire. Periodontal parameters, including plaque index (PI), bleeding on probing (BOP), probing depth (PD) >3 mm, clinical attachment loss (AL), marginal bone loss (MBL), and number of missing teeth, were recorded. Unstimulated whole saliva samples were collected, and unstimulated whole salivary flow rate (UWSFR) was determined. Levels of IL-6, IL-1β, MMP-8, and MMP-9 were measured in UWS using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
Results: PI (P <0.01), BOP (P <0.01), PD >3 mm (P <0.01), and clinical AL (P <0.01) were significantly higher in gutka chewers than controls, as were whole salivary IL-6 (P <0.01), IL-1β (P <0.01), MMP-8 (P <0.01), and MMP-9 (P <0.01) concentrations. There was no significant difference in UWSFR, number of missing teeth, or MBL among habitual gutka chewers and controls.
Conclusion: Periodontal inflammatory conditions were worse, and whole salivary IL-6, IL-1β, MMP-8, and MMP-9 levels were higher among gutka chewers than non-chewers.
Keywords: Cytokines; inflammation; interleukins; matrix metalloproteinases; saliva; tobacco, smokeless.